Adaptation for ESOL students: In this activity we will be investigating the features of 3D shapes using packaging as examples. You will need to collect a variety of packages to carry out these activities. If you have time, the packages could be covered in old wrapping paper or wrapped in plain paper and addressed to pairs or groups of three students. Unwrapped packages would work as well.
Before beginning this unit it is important to revise the shape units from NZ Maths website, Level 1:
Students need to be confident with the vocabulary taught in Level 1 units that will now be used to help describe the new vocabulary of this unit. Suggested revision activities:
Put a variety of cardboard packages into a pillowcase (this could be a pretend mailbag). Gather the students on the mat and tell them that you have a variety of parcels in your bag. Ask a student to select a parcel from the pillowcase. As a class, ask the students to describe the parcel to you. Record their responses focusing on key words that they give you. For example, the packet has 8 corners, it has a square face, and it has straight edges.
Adaptation for ESOL students: Listen for the vocabulary you are aiming at. If students are not using the words, 'face', 'edge', 'corner', 'straight' and words such as 'square', 'rectangular',' triangular', more recycling is necessary.
Note: Remember students learning in their second language may take longer to learn new maths vocabulary than native English speakers. They may have never heard the words before (native speakers probably have) and have to concentrate on unfamiliar sounds, as well as possibly being new to other language in the context. Plenty of recycling and patience is needed.
Put the students into pairs and get one person from each pair to select a parcel from the pillowcase. In pairs, the students draw their parcel and describe the features using the appropriate language. These descriptions are recorded with the drawing and are shared with the class.
Record all the maths words used to describe the packages on a vocabulary chart. If the packages were wrapped ask the children to guess what might be in their package. It is important that children realise this learning is related to real life. Wrapped packages could then be unwrapped.
Published on: 09 Jan 2018
